History

1910

The agency is supported by subscriptions and other individual campaigning. Work includes caring for homeless men, operating the Social Service Exchange to coordinate charitable efforts, and giving direct relief as constructive services for families.
1915 — An agreement between the agency and King County divides and coordinates regional relief services (the agency does all intake & assessment and provides immediate relief for transients; the county handles long-term relief cases).
1917 — The agency changes its name to the Associated Charities of Seattle (reflecting changes in other cities in the U.S.). The agency adds shelters and relief for homeless women and children.
1917 — The agency becomes a training site for the University of Washington social work department.
1919 — The agency changes its name to the Social Welfare League as more broadly descriptive of its work. More emphasis on the psychological as well as the economic/social approach to client casework. The agency coordinates free legal aid and free medical aid for clients.

Seattle City Light founded as the first publicly owned electric utility in the country.
The Smith Tower opens and is the tallest building west of the Mississippi.
Construction of the Montlake cut, ship canal and Chittenden Locks increases boat traffic and commerce throughout our area.
Boeing Airplane Company incorporates.
The U.S. is in World War I.
The influenza epidemic results in 1,600 deaths in Seattle.